“Fun, tongue in cheek, inclusive and divalicious, we are all about taking your secret passion for dancing in your bedroom, hair brush for a mic, sassy ring finger flourishing to within an inch of its life, and putting you in a room full of like-minded Bey devotees”. – Keely Windred, Head Bey Dance Captain at Bey Dance.

GirlCrew Melbourne member Keely Windred is certainly speaking our language. This Aussie girl is part of a team of dancers who teach a series of dance classes and courses to suit all levels and budgets. From the casual beginner to an intensive 8 week course called Lemonade Medley – inspired by the Formation World Tour – theses classes are sure to be a hit with all fans of Queen Bey.

Created by Liz Cahalan, this movement is all about empowering women to feel confident and happy. “Bey Dance is a dance community dedicated to releasing the disco diva within, onto the dance floor, full of flawless fabulousness, just like our hero, Queen Bey. Fun, tongue in cheek, inclusive and divalicious, we are all about taking your secret passion for dancing in your bedroom, hair brush for a mic, sassy ring finger flourishing to within an inch of its life, and putting you in a room full of like-minded Bey devotees”.

While her life now is full of leg warmers and music. Things weren’t always this way for Keely. “I had one of those big career turnarounds a few years ago when I went from working full time in mental health to becoming a yoga and dance teacher! Melbourne is a wonderful city for creative people, and I am so lucky to have gotten an opportunity to pursue my dreams.” In pursuing her dreams, Keely is also helping others by making sure access and inclusion are an integral part of her classes. “I truly believe dance and yoga should be for everyone, regardless of their ability, financial standing, gender, age, anything!”

To achieve this, Keely is very generously offering ‘Pay as You Feel’ Bey Yoga. Keely says, “I particularly love teaching my ‘Pay as You Feel’ Bey Yoga class on a Monday morning, where the yoga students don’t need to pay if they can’t afford it.” After class, everyone comes together to grab some brunch so it’s a great way to get to know the group. This was important for Keely to include as she says Bey Dance is “..all about female empowerment, a non-competitive environment and community.”

If some yoga, Beyoncé, and bunch sounds like you bag (and let’s face it, who can say no to that) then make sure you get in touch with Keeley Windred. ‘Pay as You Feel’ Bey Yoga classes are every Monday from 9:30-11am at TOMs, 1E Tripovich Street, Brunswick. While mats are provided it’s best to bring one if you have one, and make sure you wear comfortable clothing and bring some water.

Quickfire Questions with Keeley Windred

1 ) What is the best thing about your role?

Watching the students’ grow in confidence and body love. The positive feedback from students really is what keeps me doing what I’m doing.

2) What did you find most challenging about it?

Trying to find time to take myself to other dance and yoga classes! Its so important but my working schedule is difficult to work around!

3) What is your proudest work related achievement to date?

As a yoga teacher, completing a 5 week Teacher Training in an ashram in India. It was so mentally and physically challenging. I wasn’t sure if I was going to complete the training but I did and I learned so much about myself and yoga doing so. As a dance teacher, performing alongside students at Bey Dance’s 2016 Showcase. Seeing students who, when they first started, were meek little things standing nervously up the back of class, transform into these leotard-rocking fierce performers on stage!

4) What would be your one tip to others who want to get involved in this industry?

Don’t do it for money or glory! Do it if that’s what your heart tells you to do.